Walking Tracks

Paynesville Walking Tracks

The whole town is great to walk, but a few walks are ideal and special

Sunset Cove Walk

Start this walk from the Craft Centre on the Esplanade and follow the Lake around as it become Newlands Arm and Backwater. The walk then hugs the waterfront and takes you past many of the most beautiful homes of Paynesville, which all command enviable views. The jetties along the way are fascinating with boats ranging from the very new to some very old relics. This walk is always great on beautiful blue sky winters days, and it is called Sunset Cove, as the sun sets over the water here, and is a highlight. Ask Gippsland Lakes Escapes for a map.

Lake King Waterfront Walk

This is not a strictly known walk, but is easily done from the town centre. Following the Main Road out, and just next to the Mobil service station, take the road down to the waterfront and amble beside Lake King.

Eagle Point Foreshore Walk

Combine this great Lake King foreshore walk with a visit and walk through the bushland kangaroo reserve, which is open to visitors for free access. It is home to an abundant number of native birds and wildlife.

Bairnsdale

Take a walk along the Mitchell River and admire the beautiful old trees. A great spot to enjoy a morning or afternoon cup of tea. See the Heritage page for a walk around Bairnsdale with an historical flavour. Of course the East Gippsland Rail Trail, a designated bike riding trail, is also a great walking track. A significant green corridor, you are sure to experience many close encounters with the local wildlife.

Drive and Walk

Many National Parks in the area offer a perfect day out experience where you can drive in, walk around, picnic and enjoy.

Mitchell River National Park

The Den of Nargun is one such day out. A short drive from Paynesville, this spot offers something for everyone. It’s aboriginal history is connected to the Kurnai tribe, the original inhabitants of our beautiful region. Women of this group used the area for initiations and learning ceremonies. The Den itself is about a 20 minute walk from the carpark, set in a shaded rainforest gully, with the yellow wood tree and the Kanooka plant being seen at their most westerly extremes. The Den of Nargun is a shallow cavern that hides behind a slight drizzle of a waterfall in Dead Cock Creek. Tradition has it that the Nargun, a large female beast had a special purpose here, but you will have to visit the area to find out the story! The path into the Den, is a little steep at some spots with many steps, so it is perhaps not suitable for very young or the elderly.

Macleod Morass boardwalk

Starting on the Bosworth Road 1.3 km east of Forge Creek Road just off the Princes Highway you will find a Walk sign post just near the carpark. It is a very easy walk of only about 500 metres, with interpretive displays included. Set in the Macleod Morass State Game Reserve, it is a perfect example of one of the few remaining deep fresh water marshes in Victoria. Large numbers of waterfowl, like swamphens, ducks, egrets are visible on one side, and reed dwellers occupy another area but are harder to view. Dependant on water levels, birdlife varies but is still prolific.

Lakes Entrance

Cuninghame Circuit Heritage Walk

Starting at the footbridge in the centre of Lakes Entrance, the eight kilometre circuit showcases the town’s features. The path is an historical and information packed journey, featuring the unique element of combining excercise with learning about the town. A number of plaques along the path recount the signifigance of a site or spot. Extra information can be sought through the Lakes and Wilderness Tourism Visitor Information Centre. This path is a shared walkway which is utilised by walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters. It is a great way to spend some time exploring.